Tickets are $10, $15 and $25 and can be obtained at
the Laredo Entertainment Center's box office or by
visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

The concert is the highlight of the University's two-day
Fiesta de Mariachi, an annual mariachi competition
scheduled April 25-26 at TAMIU. It includes mariachi
workshops and a competition that is expected to draw
20 high schools and 10 middle schools from throughout
Texas and the nation.

The Fiesta de Mariachi, now in its fifth year, serves
to introduce middle and high school students to a university
community and identify future TAMIU students.

The visit by Mariachi Vargas will complement the Fiesta's
unique learning experience for competition participants.

Considered as the 'best mariachi of the world' by generations
since 1897, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán members
are all classically trained and have played with luminaries
such as Pedro Infante, Miguel Aceves Mejía,
Lola Beltrán, and José Alfredo Jiménez.
Members have taken mariachi music around the world,
and have performed in North, South and Central America,
as well as Europe and Asia. By doing so, they have
elevated mariachi music to an art form that vividly
illustrates the vigor, passion, grace and tradition
of the Hispanic culture.

For further information on the Mariachi Vargas concert
and the Fiesta de Mariachi, please contact Dr. Gilberto
Soto at 326-2649, e-mail gsoto@tamiu.edu or visit offices
located in Pellegrino Hall, 215B or call the Office
of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180.

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu